Homeless
It's a
Game Changer

There is growing evidence of the benefits of RPG Therapy in the management of young people with Special Educational Needs and people who have experienced psychological trauma (such as military veterans, prison inmates, complex childhood trauma). However little work has been done in the homeless population. We hope to be able to address that.
the challenge

the challenge
trauma informed approach
PROJECT 1
SHP hostels
CAMDEN, LONDON
It is increasingly recognized that many people who are at risk of, or are experiencing long term homelessness, have been exposed to trauma, often in childhood.
PROJECT 2,
details to follow.
In the UK 85% of those in touch with criminal justice, substance misuse and homelessness services have experienced trauma as children (Lankely Chase Foundation 2015).
PROJECT 3,
details to follow.
This is compounded as people are far more likely to experience trauma once homeless, be it witnessing or being the victim of physical or sexual violence. And of course, becoming homeless can itself be hugely traumatic.
Why Game Therapy?
From our work with people residing in Camden homeless hostels it was noted that video game playing, and fantasy ‘genre’ books and films, are a popular pastime.
Also, RPG’s use ‘avatars’ (the in-game character) which we thought might be helpful for some clients reluctant to participate in traditional drama therapy.
"The use of RPGs activities to help the clients model communication skills, and emotional self-regulation could be invaluable in preparing the clients for more conventional therapeutic interventions".